Gov. Gary R. Herbert and the First Lady today toured the
newly opened Utah Refugee Education and Training Center, located at the Salt
Lake Community College Meadowbrook Campus, and met with refugee leaders to
discuss needs, and current and future training opportunities at the Center.

“Refugees are a great asset to Utah communities,” Gov.
Herbert said. “The new Refugee Education and Training Center is a launchpad for
our capable and skilled refugee workforce. I encourage Utah’s business
community to participate in the training of our future employees and
entrepreneurs."

Refugees earn far below the average Utah wage — needing to
earn at least $16 per hour to pay rent and other basic costs to be
self-sustaining. The newly opened Refugee Education and Training Center, a
partnership between Salt Lake Community College, Utah State University and
Department of Workforce Services, will bridge the gap between a refugee’s
initial job and the skills and training needed to earn a wage that will
sufficiently provide for themselves and their family.

The Center features workshops and classes geared toward job
readiness, including English language training, intensive job search support,
computer skills training, entrepreneurial support and life skills training. In
addition, the Center is a gateway to higher education, with the Center located
at one of Salt Lake Community College’s campuses, and offering academic
advisement and various vocational training certifications.

Businesses
and employers interested in hiring refugees, or supporting the programs offered
at the Center can visit refugee.utah.gov
for more information. Utahns interested in volunteering with refugees can also
visit refugee.utah.gov
for information on how to get involved, or attend a volunteer orientation open
house on Saturday, Nov. 21,2015, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Refugee
Education and Training Center, 250 West 3900 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84107.